• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1-15
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Peucedani Radix herbal acupuncture(PR-HA) at St36(joksamni) on ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks(once a week) C57BL/6 mice were injected, inhaled and sprayed with OVA for 12 weeks (3times a week). One of the two experimental groups was just treated with needle-prick on St36 and the other group was treated with 1% concentrations of PR-HAS at St36, for the later 8 weeks (3times /week). Results : 1. The weight and total cells of lung of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 2. Total Leukocytes and Eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 3. Eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated with PR-HA in Photomicrographs decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 4. According to Histological analysis of lung sections, it decreased significantly adhension of collagen in PR-HA than those of control group 5. The concentration of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, in BALF and IL-4, IL-5, Il-13 in serum of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with that of control group. 6. The number of Gr-1+/CD11b+, CD11b+, CD3-/CCR3+, CD4+, CD3e+/CD69+ , CD23+B220+ cells in the lungs of the mice group treated with PR-HA decreased significantly compared with those of control group. 7. The cytokine's manifestation of mRNA of the mice group treated with PR-HA with RT-PCR decreased significantly compared with that of control group. Conclusion : We conclude that PR-HA is effective on OVA-induced asthma of C57BL/6 mouse.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.181-190
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• 2005

Background & Object : The differentiation of osteoblasts controlled by various growth factors and matrix proteins expression in bone. The aim of this study was to identify the Astragalus membranaceus that may induce the osteogenic activity in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Methods : The osteogenic activity of Astragalus membranaceus were evaluated by WST-8 assay, ALP activity, RT-PCR analysis of VEGF, OCN, OPN, Col I mRNA, and ELISA or colorimetric analysis, and mineralization by Alizarin red staining in SaOS-2 cells. Results : Astragalus membranaceus had no effect on viability of osteoblastic cells, and dose dependently increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Astragalus membranaceus markedly increased mRNA expression for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and type I collagen (Col 1) in SaOS-2 cells. Extracellular accumulation of proteins such as VEGF, and Col I was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Also, Astragalus membranaceus significantly induced mineralization in the culture of SaOS-2 cells. Conclusion : This study showed that Astragalus membranaceus not affect on viability, but it enhanced ALP activity, VEGF, bone matrix proteins such as OCN, OPN and Col I, and mineralization in SaOS-2 cells. These results propose that Astragalus membranaceus plays an important role in osteoblastic bone formation, and possibly lead to the development of bone-forming drug.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1064-1071
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• 2018

Purpose: To explore the influence of S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) knockout (KO) on methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Materials and Methods: S100A4 KO mice (n=20) and their wild-type (WT) counterparts (n=20) were randomly divided into KO/MCD, Ko/methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS), WT/MCD, and WT/MCS groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, blood lipid and liver function-related indexes were measured. HE, Oil Red O, and Masson stainings were used to observe the changes of liver histopathology. Additionally, expressions of S100A4 and proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, while hepatocyte apoptosis was revealed by TUNEL staining. Results: Serum levels of aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in mice were increased after 8-week MCD feeding, and hepatocytes performed varying balloon-like changes with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fibers; however, these effects were improved in mice of KO/MCD group. Meanwhile, total NAFLD activity scores and fibrosis were lower compared to WT+MCD group. Compared to WT/MCS group, S100A4 expression in liver tissue of WT/MCD group was enhanced. The expression of proinflammatory ($TGF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6) and profibrogenic cytokines ($TGF-{\beta}1$, COL1A1, ${\alpha}-SMA$) in MCD-induced NAFLD mice were increased, as well as apoptotic index (AI). For MCD group, the expressions of proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines and AI in KO mice were lower than those of WT mice. Conclusion: S100A4 was detected to be upregulated in NAFLD, while S100A4 KO alleviated liver fibrosis and inflammation, in addition to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.218-231
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• 2019

Background: We recently reported that Salvia plebeia R. Br. extracts suppress leukotriene production and effectively inhibit the airway inflammatory response by modulating inflammatory chemokine and cytokine expression. Here, we investigated the synergistic airway anti-inflammation effect of Salvia plebeia and Panax ginseng (Korean red ginseng, KRG) that has been used to treat various immune diseases such as asthma. Methods and Results: To evaluate the synergistic airway anti-inflammatory effect of Salvia plebeia and KRG, we measured the inhibitory effect of monotheraphy with either or co-theraphy with both on leukotriene and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Using coal a combustion, fly ash, and diesel exhaust particle (CFD)-induced respiratory disease mouse model, we found that co-theraphy synergistically suppressed airway inflammatory signs such as alveolar wall thickness and collagen fibers deposition, and decreased the number of total cell, $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cells, and inflammatory cytokines (IL17A, TNF, MIP-2 and CXCL-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Conclusions: We confirmed respiratory protection as a therapeutic effect of the Salbia plebeia-KRG 3 : 1 complex (KGC-03-PS) via anti-tracheal muscle contraction and expectorant animal studies using a CFD-induced respiratory disease mouse model.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.799-821
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• 1996

The ultimate goal of periodontal treatment has been to facilitate regeneration of diseased periodontal tissues, destroyed by inflammatory periodontal disease. For regeneration of the periodontium to occur, all of component tissues must be restored to their original position and architecture. Growth factors which were known to promote the cellular processes, ie, proliferation, migration and matrix synthesis, have been in the spotlight of current periodontics. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) stimulates collagen and non collagen protein synthesis, migration and proliferation of periodontal ligament cells. Insulin-like growth factor(IGF) has potentials to induce collagen and bone matrix synthesis so that it regulates normal bone remodeling. Application of the combination have been known to facilitate formation of bone and cementum, and to synergistically interact to promote coronal migration and proliferation of periodontal ligament cells. These two growth factors have been reported to exhibit positive effect in the periodontally diseased teeth or class m furcation defects. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that PDGF-BB alone or the combination of PDGF-BB and IGF-I can predictably enhance regeneration of the periodontium in the dehiscence defect. Following the resection of premolars, roots were embedded. After 12 weeks of healing period, standardized experimental $4{\times}4mm$ dehiscence defects were created on the mid-facial of the premolar roots in each of 4 young adult dogs. In control group, only methylcellulose gel was inserted in the defects. In experimental group I and II, gel with $2{\mu}g$ of PDGF-BB or $2{\mu}g$ of PDGF-BB and $1{\mu}g$ of IGF-I was inserted in the defects, respectively. At 8 weeks postsurgery, the dogs were sacrificed. The results were observed histologically and analyzed histomorphometrically.The results of this study were as follws. 1. The new cementum formation was $1.26{\pm}0.69mm$ in the control group, $1.80{\pm}0.84mm$ in the experimental group I, $1.93{\pm}0.51mm$ in the experimental group II. The experimental group III, the experimental group I, the control group were in the order of cementum formation without statistically significant differences between control and all experimental groups. 2. The new bone formation was $1.00{\pm}0.53mm$ in the control group, $1.53{\pm}0.63mm$ in the experimental group I, $l.33{\pm}0.45mm$ in the experimental group II. The experimental group I, the experimental group II, the control group were in the order of bone formation without statistically significant differences between control and all experimental groups. 3. The root resorption was $1.12{\pm}0.64mm$ in the control group, $1.34{\pm}0.73mm$ in the experimental group I, $0.79{\pm}0.59mm$ in the experimental group II without statistically significant differences between control and all experimental groups. These results suggested that the use of PDGF-BB alone or PDGF-BB and IGF-I in the dehiscence defects might facilitate periodontal regeneration in some degree, but has not shown statistically significant results.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.320-327
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• 2020

In current study, we aimed to investigate whether the gentiopicroside (GPS) derived from Gentiana manshurica Kitagawa could block the progression of alcoholic hepatic steatosis to fibrosis induced by chronic ethanol intake. C57BL/6 mice were fed an ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli diet for 4 weeks. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were treated with GPS 1 h prior to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulation, and murine hepatocyte AML12 cells were pretreated by GPS 1 h prior to ethanol treatment. GPS inhibited the expression of type I collagen (collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 in ethanol-fed mouse livers with mild fibrosis. In addition, the imbalanced lipid metabolism induced by chronic ethanol-feeding was ameliorated by GPS pretreatment, characterized by the modulation of lipid accumulation. Consistently, GPS inhibited the expression of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β. Inhibition of lipid synthesis and promotion of oxidation by GPS were also confirmed in ethanol-treated AML12 cells. GPS could prevent hepatic steatosis advancing to the inception of a mild fibrosis caused by chronic alcohol exposure, suggesting GPS might be a promising therapy for targeting the early stage of alcoholic liver disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2005

Objective: We have evaluated UDHA into the joint for its effectiveness on immune responses to CII in the rat CIA. In an attempt to gain further insight into the mode of action of UDHA, we also investigated the effects of UDHA on the incidence and development of arthritis in rat CIA with 2 different regimens: (1) started prior to a primary immunization, (2) started on the day of a primary immunization. Methods : Male rats were immunized with an emulsion of $200\;{\mu}g/100g$ of CII and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The rats were then given intraperitoneal(i.p) stimulation of Ulmus davidiana Planch herbal acupuncture(UDHA) or saline during the experiment. Lymph node cells were obtained from rats 14 days after immunization and cultured in vitro with CII. When compared with rats treated with saline as control, UDHA at doses of more than $20\;{\mu}g/100\;g$ rat once a day for 7 days inhibited the ability of inguinal lymph node cells to produce T cell cytokines interleukin-$1{\beta}$, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ $(TNF-{\alpha})$. When rats were injected intraperitoneally with SRBC, hemaglutination titers in UD-treated and control rats did not differ significantly when low doses of UD was given to rats. However, i.p injection of UD at doses of more than $10\;{\mu}g/100\;g/day$ for 7 days slightly suppressed antibody production. Results : The present results show that treatment with UDHA can inhibit the onset and development of arthritis and the immune responses to collagen. Conclusion: Therapeutic i.p injection with UD affect the clinical course of the disease and the immune responses to CII.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.287-298
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• 2001

Recently, many natural medicines, which have advantage of less side effects and possibility of long-term use have been studied for their capacity of anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential of periodontal tissues. Olibanum has the effects to hemostasis, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and it also has been traditionally used as a drug for the treatment of bone disease in oriental medicine. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Olibanum extracts on the activity and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) synthesis, formation of bone nodules and expression of type I collagen of MC3T3-E1 cells. To examine the cellular activity, MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with ${\alpha}-MEM(control)$ and each concentration of Olibanum for 2 days and 4 days. To compare the ALP synthesis, MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with ${\alpha}-MEM(negative\; control)$, dexamethasone(positive control), and each concentration of Olibanum for 2 days and 4 days. To compare the bone nodule formation, MC3T3-E1 ells were cultured for 21 days, and to compare the type I collagen expression, MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for 4 days. The cellular activity of MC3T3-E1 cells treated with $1{\mu}g/ml$ of Olibanum extracts was significantly increased at 4-day(p<0.05) to control. The activity of ALP in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with $1{\mu}g/ml$ Olibanum extracts was significantly increased at 4-day(p<0.05). All the experimental groups showed much more bone nodule formation than control groups. The group treated with $1{\mu}g/ml$ of Olibanum extracts was the highest bone nodule formation, and showed much more type I collagen expression than negative control. These results indicate that Olibanum extracts may be considered effective in the activity and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the healing effect of Cordyceps Militaris (CM) on collagen II-induced arthritis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (normal, control, positive control, CM with low/medium/high dosage each). Type II collagen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (with 1:1 v/v) was injected subcutaneously, and the mixture was injected in a same manner one week after the first injection to boost arthritis. Arthritis index, paw thickness and von Frey test were conducted to observe physical changes. hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe knee cartilage. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) in spleen were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs on multiple joints and can lead to temporary shape change of bones or organ failure in severe cases. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of CM extract on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring paw thickness, arthritis index, conducting von Frey test and H&E staining, and evaluating the level of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, TNF-𝛼. As a result, paw thickness, arthritis index significantly decreased in low concentration group, hind leg became less sensitive in all expermental groups. Also, histological analysis showed that the damage of knee cartilage was prevented in all experimental groups. The level of mRNA of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 in spleen was analyzed to decide the effectiveness of CM extract. IL-1𝛽 did not show significant change, but IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 showed significant decrease in at least one of the experimental groups. Conclusions CM showed protective effect on knee tissue destruction and improved the physical conditions of the leg involving arthritis. Also, it showed that CM has anti-inflammatory effect on specific cytokines inducing rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of CM for the treatment rheumatoid arthritis, and set the foundation for the further studies.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.614-623
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• 2000

Background : Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is rare but often fatal. To determine the clinical manifestations of DAH, its etiology, clinical course and prognosis were studied. Method : A retrospective analysis was performed in 21 patients that were diagnosed as DAH. Diagnosis of DAH was based on the presence of the "classical triad" of hemoptysis, anemia, and rapidly progressive infiltrates on chest X-ray and a finding of bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy. Results : Thirteen patients (61.9%) had collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) as underlying disease and 10 patients had systemic lupus erythematosus. Females were more prevalent in CVD than in non-collagen vascular disease (NCVD). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical manifestations. Dyspnea (95.2%), cough (76.2%), hemoptysis (61.9%), and fever (33.0%) were frequent symptoms. The initial creatinine level was higher in CVD than in NCVD ($3.27{\pm}3.15$ mg/dl vs. $1.19{\pm}0.94$ mg/dl, p=0.030). The corresponding drop in hemoglobin level was $2.69{\pm}1.26$ g/dl. Maximal drop in hemoglobin preceded the progression of infiltrates on the chest radiograph by $1.38{\pm}4.22$ days. The mortality rate was higher in the patients with NCVD than in those with CVD (50.0% vs. 23.1%). Conclusion : The DAH can occur not only in patients with CVD but also in those with NCVD. Higher creatinine level CVD in patients is associated with renal involvement in conjunction with DAH. The maximal drop in hemoglobin preceeding the progression of infiltrates on the chest radiograph suggests that the drop in hemoglobin is important for diagnosing DAH.